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Project Background

During the 1990's, York Region experienced the highest growth rate in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). By 2026, the population of the Region is expected to reach 1,280,000. Currently, 94% of the Region's existing population relies on sanitary services provided through the York-Durham Sewage System (YDSS). Planned population and industry are expected to generate sewage flows and water servicing beyond the existing capacity of the YDSS.

In 1997 the Regional Municipality of York completed the York-Durham Trunk Sewer System Master Plan Class EA Study. The Master Plan identified a number of strategic projects, which are required within 10 years to service short-term development and accommodate the ultimate servicing scheme. The Master plan identified the Bathurst Collector/Langstaff Trunk Sewer as priority projects. The proposed trunk sewer is needed to provide relief to the YDSS for the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill.

In 2000 The Region completed a Class EA for the Bathurst Collector/Langstaff Trunk Sewer project. However, the Region was notified on October 1, 2004 that the Minister of the Environment (MOE) received a "bump-up" request on all of the unfinished YDSS projects. Although the Minister denied the bump-up request, 11 conditions were imposed in accordance with subsection 16(3) of the Environmental Assessment Act. These conditions require the Region to look at various construction methodologies to reduce environmental impacts related to potential dewatering and investigate the potential impacts that would result from any required dewatering. The conditions also require increased public consultation and additional technical analysis. Currently, the Region is investigating the possible environmental impacts of any dewatering that may be required for the construction of the project.